Background
Chick Henderson was born Henderson Rowntree in Hartlepool, England. "Chick" was nothing more than his mother"s nickname for her smallest son.
Chick Henderson was born Henderson Rowntree in Hartlepool, England. "Chick" was nothing more than his mother"s nickname for her smallest son.
He attended Galleys Field School on Hartlepool Headland.
His first recordings were made for Harry Leader in June 1935. The following year he began singing for Joe Loss" popular radio orchestra. He stayed with Loss for five years and became a great favorite among young women who formed his core audience.
A tall, handsome man with a rich, strong vocal delivery, he appeared on postcards and magazine covers.
In his short life, Chick Henderson made over 250 recordings but, as with many big band singers, his name did not appear on the record label—only the orchestra was listed. Chick Henderson"s five-year singing career came to an end with his final recordings in 1940.
Less than a year following the start of World World War II in September 1939, he began serving in the Merchant Navy. He survived two torpedo attacks on his ships, but after four years of service, sustained fatal wounds in Southsea from flying bomb shrapnel.
Chick Henderson was 31 years old.
A Sub-Lieutenant in the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve, on strength of HMS Victory at time of his death, he was buried in Haslar Royal Naval Cemetery under his real name.